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Features and Sound Review of "88M," the Audio Interface Finally Released by AMS Neve

Features and Sound Review of "88M," the Audio Interface Finally Released by AMS Neve

Gear & SoftwareDTM Product Press Releases & Music EventsPublished 2022.09.12Updated 2023.07.01
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Superb Neve Sound Anywhere!?

A prime example of the gear that everyone doing DTM longs for at least once: AMS Neve.
Not only the brand and history AMS Neve has built, but its meticulously crafted sound captivates engineers and sound creators worldwide, and it is no exaggeration to say it leads today's music scene.

Recently, AMS Neve announced the release of the audio interface "88M", which became a hot topic.
It went on sale on September 22, 2022, priced at 195,800 yen.

Product URL: https://www.minet.jp/brand/ams-neve/ams-neve-88m/

The preamps, which deliver superb Neve sound, use the same transformer-balanced circuit as the company's very famous "88RS console." (Sound examples are provided below.)

This time, we were able to borrow this new audio interface, the "88M," so we review each of its features and its sound.

88M Specifications

First, the exterior.
The design clearly carries on the Neve feel and is very refined.

  • Height: 76 mm / Width: 182 mm / Depth: 203 mm
  • Weight: 1.675 kg

Holding it, I could clearly feel the premium quality of outboard gear.
In terms of size, it is easily portable too.

88M Features

Now let's look at the product's features section by section.

USB 3.0 Connection and Bus Power with No Power Supply Needed

First, to use the "88M," you do not need to install any drivers.
Just connecting the product to the computer with the included USB cable was enough for it to be recognized and used.

And it runs on bus power without needing a power connection.
Power is supplied just by connecting it to the computer.
Being able to get Neve sound anywhere could even be called revolutionary.

The Same Transformer-Balanced Circuit as the 88RS Console

As touched on above, the 88M's two dual preamps use the same transformer-balanced circuit as the 88RS console.

You can switch modes for mic (+48V), line and DI (guitar, bass and so on).
This switching is a simple, no-frills design: you just press the "GAIN" button.

Also, using ADAT, you can expand the inputs and outputs.
Combined with the two preamp channels above, it supports 10 inputs and 10 outputs, so use in small music studios, including home studios, is also within reach.

Connect Outboard Gear Using Balanced Inserts

It also supports cases where you want to use your outboard effects.
Just connect your outboard gear to the 2-channel balanced send/return jacks.

A High-Quality, Convenient Headphone Section

The quality of the headphone section is also flawless.
With a very natural, easy-to-listen-to sound, I could proceed with playing, producing and mixing comfortably.

Monitoring modes are also provided:

  • DIR: the direct sound at the connection stage
  • MIX: both the direct sound and the DAW sound
  • DAW: the DAW sound only

Being able to switch easily between these according to your use is very welcome.
If I had to ask for more, I felt two headphone outputs would have broadened its uses, but the usability and sound quality were impeccable.

Input Sound Comparison

Next, to test the sound of the preamps, we recorded vocals and guitar.
To compare the sound, we also recorded with 10,000-yen-class and 100,000-yen-class audio interfaces.

First, let's listen to the vocals.
Vocalist: voice actor Saori Kuroki

* The level of each recording has been adjusted to be as equal as possible.

Vocals Only

10,000-yen class

100,000-yen class

Neve 88M

The distinctive clarity you get when using Neve plug-ins comes through very naturally.
The saturation that is its sonic selling point is also added, so the sound is cohesive.
Including the grit I had long wanted, being able to record at this quality as a usable sound from the start is very reassuring.

Vocals + Backing Track

Let's also check the sound together with the backing track.

10,000-yen class

100,000-yen class

Neve 88M

The sound cuts through clearly.
A sound with just boosted highs tends to be harsh and thin, but the 88M cuts through while keeping a solid center of gravity, so it looks easy to handle in later mixing. (It also seems to take effects well.)
I felt this is where it differs greatly from low-priced audio interfaces.

Clean Guitar (Sound at the Line Recording Stage)

Next is the guitar sound.

10,000-yen class

100,000-yen class

Neve 88M

The impression is similar to the vocals: it cuts through well and the sound is dense, so you can build a solid foundation from the source sound.
In a good way, the nuance of each string comes out individually, so it is pleasant to play, and it captures fine playing expression and nuance well.

Crunch Guitar (Amp Simulator)

This is the material above run through an amp simulator.

10,000-yen class

100,000-yen class

Neve 88M

The difference in the clean sound shows up clearly here.
The balance from lows to highs is good, giving a sound with presence that is not harsh on the ears.
You can especially hear the good balance and appropriate sense of distance in the cutting in the second half.

This time we tested the sound with vocals and guitar, but using a reamping-like method, sending programmed tracks (drums, bass, synths and so on) into this preamp at line level and recording them back into the DAW, could also raise the sound quality of the whole song.

Output Sound Comparison

For the record, we also decided to record the output sound.

These are each model's output sound recorded with the master recorder "TASCAM DA-3000."

10,000-yen class

100,000-yen class

Neve 88M

Overall, it is a bright sound that comes forward. The balance is good.
I did not sense any strong coloration and felt you can expect natural sound monitoring.

How did you find it?

The audio interface "88M," released by Neve after long anticipation.
The price is by no means cheap, but I felt an appeal beyond its price in being able to easily use Neve sound that previously required outboard gear.
It is an audio interface with a truly excellent level of completion, so if you are interested, please check it out!

Product link
https://www.minet.jp/brand/ams-neve/ams-neve-88m/

We also feature AMS Neve in the article below, so if you are interested, please take a look!